Shakey Graves Performs Saturday Night at the Hole In the Wall
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I often regale music fans with tales of my experiences watching Shakey Graves perform. There’s always one common factor: The audience reaction.
The first time I saw Alejandro Rose-Garcia (the mind behind the one-man band) was last year in October at the Hole In the Wall, where the room was packed and buzzing with conversation, then suddenly quieted down the moment he got on stage. The atmosphere became charged with a different energy after that, in tune to his uncluttered style of lo-fi, rustic folk.
I saw something similar occur during SXSW at a small showcase I happened upon at Papi Tino’s on E. 6th St. Without much fanfare, he stepped up to the mic and began his set. People literally stopped and stared, completely caught off guard.
I’ve said before that Shakey Graves has a presence much greater than a single-person show. Armed only with guitar, banjo, and a makeshift kick drum made from a vintage suitcase, he is almost otherworldly with his vocals and graceful, haunted melodies.
You absolutely need to see him live. Shakey Graves performs Saturday night at the Hole In the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe, and sharing the bill is another favorite of mine, The Navasota String Band. Very good pair for a Saturday night gig. Get there after 9 p.m. Recommended.
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